There are many benefits for businesses that engage with students at local secondary schools and colleges.
From college leavers with new ideas and project capability, to younger people wanting to learn more about a diverse range of workplaces and industries, your business could not only support these students looking for their first step towards gaining valuable experience but also bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh pair of eyes to your workplace.
Whether you can offer work experience or give a short talk or presentation on your career to date during National Careers Week, this support can mean a lot to the students, especially those who have missed out during the pandemic. Young people leaving education also greatly benefit from going through the process of a mock interview, gaining confidence and valuable techniques. Scroll down to see when you could get involved and help support the workforce of tomorrow.
"I had a great experience on my placement and gained a greater understanding of the business world as a result. From listening in to an international trade forum to learning about how to speak to clients and understand their needs, I went on to research and gather information to help the team make improvements to some of its websites. My opinions were listened to and felt valued. It was a really good opportunity."
Lucy Barker, Student, Woking College
National Careers Week
National Careers Week invites employees, employers and sole traders from a wide range of industries to give an informal presentation or short workshop local students planning their next step beyond education.
Woking College Careers Fair
At the annual Woking College Careers Fair you can join up to 100 other local businesses and universities to promote your company and its career opportunities to around 800 students.
These are great cost-free opportunities to talk to a huge potential future workforce about your job sector and company, available roles, any schemes you offer to college leavers or apprenticeships and part time roles which may fit around students’ studies.
Work Experience
An ideal opportunity to link directly to the labour market, successful placements can lead to engaging a part-time or seasonal employee, an apprentice, or even a new full-time worker.
"We've got 12 students booked in for work experience so far this year, and recently gave presentations at three local high schools about working in the film industry. We actively encourage and mentor students so that we can support them on their journey. As a company, we feel that work experience is super important, particularly given the effects of lockdowns on some students' social skills and confidence."
Phil Miller, MD, DreamingFish
Woking College
Woking College students are aged 16-18 and have the capability to research and undertake real projects during their placements.
Woking College work placements: 12-16 June
Contact Helen Taylor, Work Experience Co-ordinator
School Careers Coordinators (year 10+)
- Bishop David Brown: 19-23 June, contact: Safia Eliamaly
- Hoe Valley: 10-14 July, contact: Nikki Kane
- St. John the Baptist: 22-26 May (year 12), 26-30 June, contact: Juanita Areington
- Winston Churchill School: 26-30 June, contact: Lara Smyth
- Woking High School: 26-30 June, contact: Carol Jarman
ANNUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Brooklands Innovation Academy
The Brooklands Innovation Academy inspires and supports young people to become the next generation of scientists and engineers. Brooklands Innovation Academy (brooklandsmuseum.com)
Guildford Games Festival
The Guildford Games Festival is a multi-day celebration where fans can try out demos, chat with developers, watch livestreams, and learn about upcoming games. https://guildford.games/
Pinewood Futures Festival
Pinewood Futures Festival is the Biggest Screen Industry Careers Event in the UK for young people looking to start a career in the film and TV sectors. https://pinewoodfuturesfestival.com/
The National Apprentice Show
The National Apprentice Show, London and South East is the perfect event for school and college leavers, and young adults, to discover more about apprenticeships across the region. London & SE - The National Apprenticeship Show
The Children's Business Fair UK
The Children’s Business Fair UK gives young entrepreneurs aged 7-17 the opportunity to launch their very own business, sell to real customers and make their own money. https://childrensbusinessfair.co.uk/
University of the Creative Arts Business and Innovation Summit
The University of the Creative Arts’ inaugural Business and Innovation Summit is an ideal starting point for businesses and organisations working within or supporting the creative industries, that are looking for an opportunity to network and contribute towards the continued growth of the industry.
https://www.uca.ac.uk/events/research/creative-growth--business-and-innovation-summit/
"We are not just a business but an organisation of people who care about the society we live in. Most of us have children and we care very much about their future, so it is a privilege to be able to provide work experience for the future generation. It does not require that much time from us but is extremely rewarding."
Ivan Dos Santos, Service Desk Manager, Pro Drive IT
